Survivor Outreach Services: Reflections
Reflections
Soldier: 1st Lt. Nick A. Dewhirst
Submitter: Mrs. Dewhirst
Reflections: Losing a son was the hardest thing I have had to experience in my life. I think of my son, 1st Lt Nick A Dewhirst every day and gather my strength from his memories. Nick was a small child with lots of smiles and joy and grew up to be a serious young man that enjoyed adventures and strived to be his best he could be. I am the proud mother of three sons, one of which was an American Solider and a leader.
Soldier: Sgt. Evan S. Parker
Submitter: Lance A. Parker (brother)
Reflections: Evan, my brother, was two years younger than me. We were best friends and we fought every day. Our mother would make us put our hands in our pockets so we would keep them off each other. Evan was the strong one, the one that always pursued and excelled in sports. The one that fought for the right thing and right there in the middle of the fight. I followed. He pushed me and gave me the spirit to excel. He gave me the fight and drive. I am so proud of my brother for his accomplishments, and honored that he served and sacrificed for his country, for what I know he believed in. He is forever in my heart and I think about him every day. Survivor Outreach Services is always there for us for everything and anything we need. They will get us the answer. They support us with any place we are in our journey of healing and acceptance.
Soldier: SGT Cory Clark
Submitter: Wrenita Randall
Reflections: Cory was my responsible child, the peacemaker among friends and always wanted others to have a better life. Survivor Outreach came into my life and changed my existing to trying to live again. My first experience, Operation Love Letter showed me how to celebrate Cory. Holidays were big for him and although he was married not a Valentine’s Day went by where I didn’t get a gift. With the help and encouragement of Survivors Outreach I am now able to take out my last Valentine’s Day gift from Cory, A frog that sings, Only You by the Great Pretenders.
Soldier: SGT Tina Safaira Time
Submitter: Mary Time
Reflections: Tina was our God given jewel we loved with pride and joy. She left Samoa to attend school in Arizona and there she was deployed overseas with her Army Reserve unit. It will be twelve years come this December when she was killed in action. I miss her terribly and think of her all the time in tears. The Survivor Outreach Services program enables Survivor families to come together. Activities and events allow us to come together and share stories about our children and loved ones.
Soldier: SFC Heriberto ‘Eddie’ Concepcion
Submitter: Tanisha Concepcion
Reflections: To narrow it down to one memory is hard, but the one thing consistent in the memories held is his smile. How it could just light up a room and what he would give to help another in need. Survivor Outreach Services has impacted our journey by providing resources when needed. They’ve also put together and hosted multiple events and memorials that let our son who never got the opportunity to meet his father know he’s not going through this journey alone.
Soldier: Pvt. James H. Ebbers
Submitter: Nancy Ebbers
Reflections: Survivor Outreach Services has helped me to cope with our loss by acknowledging that this journey is difficult. When the Gold Star seems too heavy to bear, SOS helps by letting us share our stories. When family expects us to “just forget and get over it,” SOS makes a way for us to remember our loved ones, with great respect. And when certain days and times of the year are tough to face, and even when everyday life gets overwhelming, the staff at SOS gently reminds us that it’s important to stay strong.
Soldier: SGT Terry Lisk
Submitter: Lorrie Fleming
Reflections: Terry was born in North Carolina, we were stationed at Fort Bragg, he always wanted to be in the Army. He was always very cautious and had a great sense of humor. I am very proud of him, he would always talk about the children he would see in Iraq and how that helped him to get through his days. I am very grateful that SOS is here now. I love working with them to get Operation Love Letters started. And it’s always great to know if I have a question that I have a great support team to call.
Soldier: SSG Gerald Giordano
Submitter: Pearl Giordano
Reflections: Jerey loved the Army and his country. He proudly served as a medic. Survivor Outreach Services has held our hand and given support and encouragement at a difficult time in our lives. Thank God for this kindness.
Soldier: CPL Frank Gross
Submitter: Toni Gross
Reflections: His life verse was taken from the Bible, Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” These very same words are engraved upon his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery…they followed him in life and in death. SOS has certainly impacted my life for the good and continues to do so as I move from grief to healing and wholeness in my life journey. While my life will never be the same since my son’s death…those memories that used to reduce me to tears now bring a smile to my spirit and heart. I am grateful to the Army for continuing to support SOS as SOS continues to support us.
Soldier: SFC Eli Toro
Submitter: Lydia Hansbrough
Reflections: We had great Family ties, church going with strong faith. Our relationship was rich in both communication and laughter. We cherished the moments when I visited him in Chicago. We believed in education, honor, honesty and integrity. SOS helped me in many different ways. I have no words to express their tireless dedication to this endeavor. I attended many activities, and met families grieving for their sons and daughters. This was a bittersweet feeling. I felt their pain. I felt the compassion and caring to listened to them grieve.
Soldier: LCpl Travis Layfield
Submitter: Dianne Layfield
Reflections: I had bought us concert tickets to see Brooks n Dunn, to surprise Travis while he was home on leave. Well into the Concert, the lights went off and on stage a big Neon Moon came up. Travis grabbed my hand and guided me up to the top of the hill, and started to dance with me…. I was just so elated, my heart was so happy. I can see it in my mind, so clearly as if we are still on that hill dancing to Neon Moon, an image I will Forever cherish. SOS has been a wonderful support group, always there for me at any time. It is a true Blessing to all of us.
Soldier: PFC Jalfred David Vaquerano
Submitter: Yolanda E. Mercado
Reflections: Jalfred was a shy, soft spoken young man, who was filled with dreams and hopes of happiness and a family. His family was important to him. He was always there for his mother and wanted to take care of her and his siblings, as well as his fiancé. He was viewed by his war buddies as a leveled-headed young man with a smile always on his face. He never complained about his responsibilities and as he entered a room, it would light up.
Soldier: SGT Lui Tumanuvao
Submitter: Monika Tumanuvao
Reflections: My son Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao was killed in 2007. He started out with the Army Reserve here in American Samoa. I did not agree with his decision to join the active Army after his first deployment in 2004, but it was his will and was very excited about his decision. My mind always keeps him alive. My tears are never dry when I think of my son. The Survivor Outreach Services program enables me to meet and connect with other Mothers who lost their children serving the Army Reserve or Army.
Soldier: Staff Sgt. David Berry
Submitter: Kathleen Berry
Reflections: I am the wife of David Berry, who was killed in action in Iraq on February 22, 2007. David was a seemingly shy man, but once he got to know you it was clear to you what an amazing person he was! His patriotism was beyond most. He joined army the summer between his junior/senior year of high school. His love of family matched no other! The SOS team in Wichita, Kansas has been very helpful in assisting me to solve all my issues that I have contacted them on. I for one do not know how I would navigate the military and personal issues that I have had without them. Thank you SOS!!
Soldier: 1st Lt Jeremy Andrew Clawson
Submitter: Aneta Clawson
Reflections: Jeremy had a “superman” cape, which I had made for him as a school costume. We often got phone calls from a frantic neighbor across the street telling us that Jeremy was up on the roof of her garage–he was jumping off and looking back to see if he was “catching air” in the cape. He was only seven years old. He was always doing fun stuff, which had a bit of danger to it. Survivor Outreach Services has provided our family with opportunities to comfort other Families who have lost loved ones and be comforted by them. There are many times when just knowing there are others who have suffered a loss helps us deal with ours.
Soldier: Lt. Charles R. Rubado
Submitter: Charles and Nitaya Rubado
Reflections: Charlie was commissioned as an Army lieutenant at Florida Southern College in 2004. His older brother, Steven, an Army captain administered his Oath. His father, a retired Army first sergeant gave his first salute. Survivor Outreach Services has been in contact with us at least once a year since our son was KIA in August 2005. They kept us informed about things going on in our area and always asked if we were having any problems they could help with.
Soldier: PFC Ivan Rowe
Submitter: James and Tamara Rowe
Reflections: From a very young age, Ivan always talked about being in the military. He was living out his dream by serving the country. Survivor Outreach Services has provided many opportunities for us during this time of adjustment. They have been willing to help whenever needed. It is a great feeling to know someone is there and ready when called upon.
Soldier: SFC Chad Eugene Marsh
Submitter: Janet Marsh
Reflections: When learning how to drive, Chad liked to show off his expertise by backing into the garage, backing into parking spaces, just backing up any time he had the opportunity. Then he would say, ‘See mom, I’m very good at driving the car.’ I was and am very proud of him. The SOS Support Coordinator in Wichita, Kansas has been very helpful with keeping in touch with our family for support and caring after my son’s death in Iraq, 2007.
Soldier: Specialist Daniel L. Elliott, KIA, 15 July 2011
Submitter: Patti Elliott
Reflections: In some ways, the past four years are a blur. Lucas was always full of laughter, never taking life too seriously, and ready for whatever challenge came his way. I knew how special he was to our family, but one of the things that has been the most overwhelming is to hear the stories of what he meant to others. He will forever be my baby, but my heart swells with pride to know that he made an impact on the lives of people he touched. Through his death, I have learned to notice and appreciate the small things in life because you never know when they will be gone. He is the first thought on my mind each morning and the last thought as I close my eyes each night. I am grateful for the many blessings in my life and pray that I can continue to honor Lucas’s memory through service to others.
Soldier: 1LT Tabitha Gilchrease, Auto Accident, 18 Aug 2012
Submitter: Gilchrease Family
Reflections: In dealing with Tabitha’s loss, the healing process has been slow and reflective. Tabitha Gilchrease was a woman of valor, class and grace. She had aspired to serve as a psychologist to soldiers affected by the stressors of war. Her life was built around servitude. As I reflect on our family today, all I can say is that our lives will forever be touched by the life she lived. And though our hearts still ache, we are reminded by her indomitable spirit to continue living, and to continue aspiring to make change in the world. The memory of Tab gives our family a fighting chance. We all looked at her as the ambassador for not only our family, but for the city of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia.
Soldier: SSG Clinton T. Newman, KIA 13 Feb 2006
Submitter: Debbie Agnew
Reflections: As you can imagine, in 2006, my life has changed forever since that day, but a few things have stayed the same. My love for my son is as strong now as it was the day he died, and so is the pride I feel for the man he was. I know that the Army Reserve played a part in helping him become that special man, and so did his fellow Reservist. Although I would give everything I own if he were still here safe and sound, I do find comfort in the knowledge that he died doing what he loved, and doing something that he truly believed in. And in the end, maybe that’s what matters most.
Soldier: SPC Ioane V. Ofagalilo, Accident 24 Nov 2001
Submitter: Mrs. Taunese Ofagalilo
(Transcribed from the Samoan Language by SC Foifua)
Reflections: My granddaughter Charity can barely remember her Father today because she was only an infant when he was taken away from us while on active duty in Germany. My children and I have raised Charity to never forget her Father with the photos and many Family stories we share. My husband, blind and disabled died after Ioane completed high school. Of my two sons, Ioane decided to take on two jobs while attending the American Samoa Community College so he could help us make ends meet for our Family. He worked at the fish canneries during the evenings and his second employment was as a Reserve Soldier drilling once a month. Eventually he came home and shared that he had decided to go active duty with the Army. It was a scary confrontation but Ioane convinced us he would help us better. The Army Reserve and the Active Army provided well for his daughter Charity and me as her caregiver. None of these valuable benefits can replace having Ioane here with us. I still miss my son for myself and for his daughter. She has grown up to be a beautiful and smart young student. My heart aches and wonders if he had stayed in the Army Reserve he’d still be here today.
Soldier: LTC Juanita Warman, Fort Hood Shooting, 5 Nov 2009
Submitter: Philip Warman
Reflections: Army Reserve Officer LTC Juanita L Warman, had always regarded her civilian life as a sort of temporary leave from full time Army services. She was an outstanding MEDCOM Soldier. In her desire to prevent long term psychological problems with Soldiers by addressing them in the field, she volunteered for deployment to Iraq. After a month’s training, she flew to link up with the 1908th Medical Detachment and moved with them by bus to Fort Hood for processing. Within hours of her arrival on 5 Nov, she was shot and killed. The irony of her death is that, in other circumstances, she would have stayed and cared for the very man who shot her, true to the creed to never leave a fallen comrade. Juanita had the same devotion to her roles as mother, wife, and grandmother. Her gentle strength and loving nature that affected all who knew her also made her particularly effective in dealing with both civilian and military patients. There was never a more gentle and loving companion. Juanita’s last words expressed her realization that she was not going to make it when she said to tell her Family that she loved us. Juanita Warman is a good example of the nation’s finest. Appropriately, she rests today in Arlington among other Heroes.